Gracious Father,

Thank you for giving us the perfect Savior in the person of Jesus Christ your Son.  Help us to always be ready to obey him, even when we are not sure where obedience will lead.  And allow us, through this process to develop greater intimacy with you.

Then Father, when we look at the religious leaders, we realize that we may be in that position today in relation to others.  Help us to always be an encouragement to those who need to grow in their faith. Help us further to make it easier for those who don’t know you to come to know you personally.

Help us to be stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks to other people’s faith.

In Christ our Lord,

Amen