09-06-16 Morning Prayer

Lord, we come before you this morning, in a grateful and humble spirit, to worship you. You have given us so much, and we know you are a merciful, loving, and understanding God. We are grateful for your presence in this church, for our precious church family, and for this loving and caring faith community.

We are here because we want to follow you, and be more like you. We pray that you will help us grow as we take on the full armor of God. You have given us the Living Word, and powerful Word, through the Good News. As we learn more today about your early church, we are reminded that we are also an early church that will have challenges and growing pains as well.

Help us to love and encourage one another in faith. Where we have differences, guide us through your Holy Spirit and Word to better understand you and others, and to grow in knowledge and wisdom, to forgive and to heal. We know you are not only our Savior, but also the Great Healer.

Grant us wisdom and strength, and open our hearts to do your will and move forward in one body as your church. We pray that you will use the unique gifts you gave each one of us, to further your Kingdom with kind and gentle hearts.

You have called us to be your church, to be a part of your ministry, and have helped us to define your mission through us. Help us, Lord, to understand and always be faithful to our calling to be disciples, as you are always faithful to us.

We pray for our pastor and the leadership of this church as we move forward. We pray these things in your Holy name.

Amen.