Opening Prayer
Compassionate God of Miracles, You never let us get away. Like Jonah we try to flee within and beyond. But You come after us and rearrange our lives to achieve Your will and reign. You are relentless and stubborn, Most Holy One! As you saved him from drowning, You have bailed us out so many times. You have plans for each and all of us – help us to surrender to Your plan. Jesus reminded us how selective and less than whole-hearted we can be in responding to You and one another. He called us back to the primitive covenant of love – that we love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. That is a real challenge, Lord! Only You can grasp us from darkness, flight, and irresponsible selectiveness. Only You can enflame our hearts to be as whole-hearted and expansive as You are. Free us! Expand us! Help us never to make distinctions between loving You and loving one another. Be the God of Compassion beating within our hearts.
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