Heavenly Father,

Teach us to exercise the faith of a child toward you. Help us to be innocent, trusting and not afraid to ask you for what we need.

Help us to take sin very seriously, so that we will carefully avoid temptation. Further please prevent us from tempting others through our words and actions.  On the contrary, let us join with you in going out to seek the one lost sheep of your flock who is going astray.

When we feel that someone has sinned against us, or has need of some form of correction, give us the power to not respond out of anger or frustration.  Help us rather to correct that person with the goal of restoration in mind. And remind us to follow your instructions as to the best way to make that restoration a reality.  And then, most of all, help us to be forgiving people, always aware of how much we have been forgiven by you.

You truly have released us from a debt we could never pay, by having Jesus Christ pay for our sins on the cross.  May our lives reflect your grace, your goodness and your compassion.

In Christ,

Amen