Release the Idols

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for another day that you have blessed us with. Thank you for the space to gather and worship you. And thank you for the technology to gather from afar, for those who are unable to be here in person.

You are wonderful, true, and good. We are here to worship you, and you alone. Help us to release the idols that beckon and call for our attention.

You say that you are with us, and that your sheep hear your voice. So with open hearts, create in us an open, welcoming posture to your ways and your works. As we tend to your presence this morning, will you tend to our hearts?

We pray weekly for your Kingdom to come and you will be done — teach us to lean more fully into the nuances of that prayer. Lord, give us the wisdom and discernment to know what is of your Kingdom and what is not. And the strength to relinquish control, and yield to your unforced rhythms of grace.

Jesus, we pray for the wonder and awe that your love and grace provoke to be made manifest well beyond the walls and screens of this congregation. Where there are walls and disconnection, would you bring healing and hope? Where there is divisiveness, would you bring unity? Where there is a need, would you bring provision? Where we feel self-righteous, can you instill in us humility? And where we feel weak, will you be our strength?

Lord, we bring before you the prayers of our congregation. Both the spoken and unspoken requests, we seek you! Jesus, thank you for hearing us, knowing us, loving us, and moving at your perfect speed.

Amen.