Holy Father, in Jesus' name, we have allowed too many things to distract us from You. Jesus, You are all that really and ultimately matters not our views on things such as abortion, conspiracy theories, critical race theory, court decisions, forms of government, history, political candidates and parties, and vaccination mandates. Knowing and walking in intimate fellowship with You helps us to see these things more from Your perspective as well as others who see them from a different perspective.
Jesus, the truth of the matter is that we often are longing and wanting to be in conversations and spaces that are too lofty for us because of where we are in our relationship with You. There is still too much selfish ambition and concern about how we appear to others. Rarely do we do all that we do as unto You Lord and not unto men or for Your glory. We know that You do not need anyone or anything to bring about Your Kingdom agenda. We know that we are not ready and never fully will be to represent You in this world. That is why we are so thankful for Your grace. It is by Your grace that we are saved but also by Your grace that we serve Your purposes in the earth. Because this is true bring us to the place, like the Apostle Paul, where knowing You is the goal of our lives.
Jesus, far too often we have allowed our biases, prejudices, and stereotypes of others get in the way of us truly representing You and Your Kingdom. There is something in us, our flesh, that wants others to think that we are right, smart and know what we are talking about. The truth is more often than not we do not have a clue. Forgive us for the times that we have brought dishonor, reproach, and shame to Your name for things that we've said and done. Forgive us for allowing the enemy to use us to say and do things that alienate people from You and sow seeds of division among Your people when we are above all else ambassadors of Christ - the One who forgives, gives eternal life, and reconciles people to God and one another.
Jesus, stir up our affection, devotion, and hearts for You. For apart from the work of Your Spirit we are unable and unmotivated to shake ourselves from these feelings and the spaces that we are in. We confess that we do not know what to do but our eyes are on You. Help us to stop trying in our own strength but to trust You to do to, in, and through us what we are not able to do. Lead us to repent and to return to You with our whole hearts. Forgive us for all the effort that we put into seeking what is in Your hands when You have granted us daily access to boldly come before Your throne and seek Your face. We confess that we are not the answer to the worlds problems, our families problems, or even our own - You alone are!
Jesus, You came to inaugurate the Kingdom of God through Your death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Use Your Church, those You have called and chosen, to continue the Kingdom through the preaching of the good news of who You are and what You've done. May we be faithful to do so until You return to bring the full reality of Your Kingdom to bear as You make everything new. Use us as Your Kingdom agents in this world to transact Kingdom business and to no longer live for our own self interest. In You name, Amen!!!
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