Monday, July 28

By Michele McGrath of Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

—Jeremiah 29:11

God of the edges,

I confess how much I want to sit safely in the middle.

God of the margins,

forgive me for my need to be in the center of the moment.

God of diversity,

I am sorry for how often I want there to be one simple answer.

Liquid God,

I regret how often I have allowed my witness of you to solidify,

and grow cold.

Savior Incarnate,

I am sad to think how often I avoid entering the muck and messiness of life for your sake.

Disruptive Spirit,

I confess my desire for consistency rather than the chaos preceding change.

Spirit of Truth,

forgive me the many times I have spoken reassuringly

rather than prophetically.

God of all seasons,

I repent my constant hurrying to see results.

Risking Redeemer,

forgive me for straddling the fence so much of the time.

God of hope,

take another chance on me, on us, on your people.

Let us be your body in this world.

Prayer for Peace Triune God, I repent the many times I chose my own company over relationship.

Spiritual Practice: Contemplate the Names of God Reflect on this prayer. What word or phrase most closely identifies your idea of God?

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will respond to opportunities to leave the fence and take a stand for peace.