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Thank you for friends

John 15.15

Father of lights, thank you for friends, for friends who are brothers and sisters, who have the same goals, the same desire of heaven, the same need for your fellowship.

You created us for love, and in your family we can lower our guard, trust our friends to be accepted, provide that safe space that so many are searching for.

At the same time, what a blessing to be among friends who don’t let us stray from the truth, who are willing to confront us to our face so that we will be honest with ourselves about our rights and wrongs.

Help us to put high value on our friends in Christ. Keep the friendship with the world far away.

Help me to be a true friend and brother to all your children.

In the name of him who showed what it means to be a friend — Amen.

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Let Love Prevail

For love were we created — let love
prevail among us, genuine,
sincere, and willing to learn —
in all things honest, earnest,
accepting — as you accepted us.
Welcoming house of God!
Let nations come to dwell here!

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Responsibility for my actions

Lord, I take responsibility for my actions today and for my reactions to all that has happened to me in the past and that will happen today. I will blame no one. I will offer no excuses. I will seek no easy escape. I will possess the mind of Christ and show his kindness and patience.

You know that I am not capable of this, so I trust in your strength to be possessed of this transformed life.

Father, your sons and daughters also need such desire and power for life in Christ. So many of them are new in faith. Some are weak in their walk. Some have not yet seen the joy of full devotion. Some suffer mental anguish. Others face persecution and hardship.

Thank you for our family of faith. Let none wander away. Keep us all safe. Make love our language. Fulfill your will in us. Find praise in our midst. Blessed are you, O God, for your wisdom and compassion to make us your people and to give us those brothers and sisters that walk with us.

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The Saints Are People Just Like Me

The saints are people just like me:
A mix of passion and holy desire,
A fight between the world and heaven,
Decision to make your will prevail,
Commitment to follow the risen Lord.
Make my love for them sincere,
Devotion to your people strong,
Unfeigned and brotherly, deep and pure.
Among us, Lord, be honored and praised,
Your exalted name be glorified,
As we, together, walk in faith,
In fellowship of eternal tones.