06-24-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 24, 2024
We offer a prayer today with the hope of finding within ourselves the capacity to forgive. God of Grace and Mercy, we have been taught in the life of Jesus both the importance of forgiveness and the expectation that we will forgive. As recipients of your great gift of merciful kindness that does not define us by our worst days or hurtful choices, we express joy-filled gratitude as we have all fallen short of your ideal. But even with gratitude brimming within us, there are times when the capacity to forgive falls short. Knowing what we should do and believing in the importance of it, do not always make it easy. So, as strange as it may sound, we ask your forgiveness for our inability to forgive. We believe your love for us is not reduced or withdrawn because of our confession. In fact, if we can find the needed capacity and actually offer the forgiveness we need to offer, it will only be because of your persistent and patient grace. So with some reluctance, we ask you to continue to nudge us where we need some nudging. And remind us that forgiving others is often the healthiest thing we can do for ourselves. We offer our prayer in the name of your gift of mercy, Jesus Christ. Amen.