Inclusiveness

Everlasting God.  The God Most High. Creator. Provider. Our shepherd.  The God who Sees. The Lord who Heals.  We sing our praises to you.  We are in awe of your mercies.  We thank you for your mighty works.  Lord, we are humbled by your majesty, and we ask that you be merciful to us.

We confess that we do not always treat people as you would.  Too often we are quick to judge others or discount them.  We close our eyes to the marginalized… to those who serve us all through the week… to those who have hurt us. We are partial to those who keep us comfortable.

Gracious God, renew our hearts; make our spirit right and true.  Remind us of our salvation through Christ, and make our willing hearts steadfast for you.  Lord, only you can blot out our transgressions, and leave us clean and white as snow.  We praise you and thank you for your vast and deep love for us. 

We thank you that your world is inclusive.  It is unfathomable that you call us friend.  You command us, saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Father God, teach us to see and treat people the way that Jesus would.  Grow our hearts.  Form the expressions on our faces to reflect you….despite the circumstances of our day. Get us out of ourselves and our little world.

Expand us.  Send us out to be Your hands and feet.  Lord, some among us seem so equipped for that.  Others of us wrestle with how we can be used. Some of us need our eyes open to service.  Help us realize that we each can be used by you.  Help us to know that in spite of ourselves, you have a plan for us to serve.  Your plan is unwavering, and it is for good.