Yesterday I challenged us to invite God into revealing any prejudice within us, in the hope that would move us toward internal cleansing, and external reconciliation with those against whom we have (unintentionally) distorted views. Today I offer a prayer along those lines.
Father God, our Loving and Compassionate Lord, Your heart toward reconciliation is clear. We invite Your cleansing work in our hearts, and Your renewing hand in our spirits. We draw near to You, as You draw near to us, so our hands may be cleansed and our hearts be made pure, as we faithfully align our desires to Yours. As we hope in You and are purified as Jesus was pure, we can then be kind to one another, forgiving others as Jesus forgave us. May we learn to correct others in all gentleness and love, and seek forgiveness in humility, making reconciliation a priority. May we strive to be at peace with everyone, remaining holy and blameless in Your sight. May we love unconditionally and earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (even our own sins). May we seek to let go of any prejudice or pride which clouds our vision, and distorts our view of another. We ask all of this from You Father, who through Jesus Your Son reconciled us to Yourself, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. May we never count someone’s sin against them, as Jesus didn’t, and may we spread the message of truth and reconciliation to the ends of the earth, from this day forward, amen.
[Inspired by Psa 51:10, Jas 4:8, Ac 15:9, 1 Jn 3:3, Eph 4:32, Heb 12:14, 1 Pt 4:8, 2 Cor 5:18-19]
~ Conqueror in Training