Merciful God, we thank you for your patience and kindness. When life gets busy, we become distracted. Your people and your purposes can take second place in our lives. Forgive us, Lord, for putting our desires ahead of yours. Forgive us for not attending to the needs of those who suffer.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and guide our thoughts and actions. Allow us the joy of hearing your voice and feeling your presence. We want to be faithful and please you. Inspire us to look beyond what we can accomplish and stretch into your imagination in our care for others.
As we prepare for your coming in this season of Advent, let your purposes be clear to us. Stop us from fulfilling our wishes and ignoring a ‘still more excellent way.’ Show us the way to love others as you love us, even when it is uncomfortable. You are our light and salvation, our hope in every season. In the name of our Savior, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Pastor Maria Campbell