Opening Prayer
God, our Father and our Mother, Your stare is severe when we disappoint You and do not live up to Your expectations of us. We are Your special possession–the apple of Your eye. But sometimes, like selfish children, we lose faith in You and Your love when things do not go our way. In times of doubt, confusion, disappointment, anger, pain and hurt, we doubt You and Your positive presence. Help us to see that Your love is a fire, purifying sin and selfishness within us and refining us to shine with Your compassion and blossom with Your love. Yes, Lord, You do expect more of us! Help us never to doubt Your embracing love, even when it is tough, demanding and stretches us. Give us persistence, source of our life and goodness, to know that we can always depend on You. Your patience is eternal, so we can knock and knock again. You always respond, because You are our faithful Father and responsive Mother.
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