Heavenly Father,

We learn from Jesus in this chapter that our lives need to be totally committed to you. Help us to love you with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength.

Help us to love our neighbor as ourselves – to put the needs of others, even our enemies, on the same level as our own.

Help us to be good citizens, faithful taxpayers, loyal participants in the life of our earthly community.

But help us also to remember that we owe you so much more – that in fact we personally belong to you.

Help us never to desire a reputation for being more godly or more spiritual than we really are.

Jesus was an example of humility and we will do well if we continuously follow him in that – knowing that he is truly God and the author of our salvation.

In Christ’s name we pray,

Amen.