Opening Prayer
Merciful God, You do not get angry and hurt when we continue to build golden calves of our petty needs and dreams. We disown You. We shrink You. We want a god more of our own making and more attentive to our immediate dreams and petty needs. I’m sorry. Forgive me and withhold Your jealous rage because of the faith of our ancestors, who You love and who remained faithful. Withhold Your jealous rage because of Jesus, Your Son, who was and is most faithful to You. In Him, Your overflowing mercy floods our experience. I’m awed that You do not simply wait for us to return to You, but You come running after us with breathless love. I’m humbled, that You, the awesome God of the Universe, come searching for me, whether I am a straying sheep or a lost coin. Thank You for treasuring me enough to pursue me – and welcoming back my restless, idolatrous heart.
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