Father,

We love you this morning. And we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for all the mercy and love you have poured out upon us. Your grace is beyond comprehension, and daily sustains us.

Help us this morning to open ourselves more fully to all you have for us. Help us to joyfully share the good news of your love with those around us. Grant us more compassion. Empower each of us through your Holy Spirit to reach out to a poor and starving world, that your grace and mercy might truly reach all in need.

Allow our hearts to be softened by the tears of the poor and hungry that our response might more clearly reflect the love and compassion of the Christ. And in everything that we undertake, may it move our world closer to the kingdom where your justice reigns for all. Amen