04-14-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS 
April 14, 2025
Prayer for the Week (revised from worship): When excuses suddenly appear on our tongues, I implore you, Merciful God, to pause our breath and silence the fear-induced justifications before they are vocalized. When we are fully immersed in the joyful celebrations of our faith, we too often miss where the Gospel message is encouraging us to go. Help us to rise above any fears, so we can join you in sharing the gift of unconditional love with the world around us. When faced with challenges or threats, grant us the courage to reach out, not for another clever excuse, but for the grace-filled power of your Holy Spirit. For those who have been hurt, marginalized, and left feeling defeated, the last thing they need is another rationalization for why things are the way they are. Instead, they need your message, O God. They desperately need the Gospel that possesses the power to redeem and heal those situations that others have deemed hopeless. Call us once again to join you in this challenging, yet life-changing work. Amen.