Focus Scripture: Ezekiel 11:19-20 (NRSV) 19 I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. Then they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Eternal God, we thank you for forgiving us of all the ways we have trespassed against our neighbors. Forgive us for all the ways we have displeased you. We thank you for loving us in spite of our complaints and disobedience. We thank you for blessing us in spite of the way we treat each other. Help us to be open to the movement of your Holy Spirit in our lives, for it is this Spirit that transforms us and restores us and binds us together in love. We thank you for giving us a heart of flesh so that we can walk in ways that please you each day. We are so grateful that you have chosen us to be your people and that you will be our God. Help us to build on the collective hope the Spirit inspires in all of your people. Bless us all today. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.