Opening Prayer
God of Incredible Mercy, You try us and test us! Your love and guiding presence are given, not earned. Faith is Your free gift, not simply a function of our human reasoning, searching needs, or hard work! We are uncomfortable with free gifts — we still seek to earn them. Your goodness does overwhelm and embarrass. Despite our failures and shortcomings, You still choose us, pursue us and embrace us! Your love makes us worthy, so transforming is Your grace and presence! Continue to be with us all days, especially at that awesome and terrifying end when You say that all secrets will be revealed! Can’t we hide some things? There are thoughts, feelings, judgments, and secrets I don’t want anyone else to know! Purify me so that I do not hide like Adam and Eve when I reach the end of my days. Help me to see me as you see me, with loving eyes! Your awesome knowledge of me makes me feel very special and precious. Help me to do the same with everyone I meet today.
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