Resurrection Life

A prayer based on Colossians 3:12-15

Lord God,

Thank you for chosing us as your people.  We cannot understand why you would set us apart, we have nothing to commend ourselves to you.  Yet you love us deeply.  Thank you.

Our Father,

As you love us, so we are called to love each other.  We are sorry for the ways we have failed to love each other.  For ignoring or avoiding certain people.  For holding onto wrongs.  For spreading lies and gossip.  For treating each other as objects not people.  We have sinned against you and against each other. Forgive us.

Loving Father,

Thank you for your forgiveness, which is real, deep and personal.  As we know your forgiveness, may we be enabled to forgive each other.  Help us to let go of past wrongs.  Heal the hurt.  Mend the scars.  Strengthen our relationships.  Cause love to flow deeply and freely. May we be compassionate towards each other.  Reaching out in kindness to those in need.  Being humble, gentle and patient.  May we never insist on our own way, or stand on or own rights - trampling over our brothers and sisters. As you have dealt patiently with us, may we gently and patiently restore those who have fallen.  May our love and compassion be more that mere words, cause it to come from deep within us.  May we be moved from the depths of our being at the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each other.

Gracious Father,

You have chosen us, set us apart and love us deeply.  Thank you for your rugged committment to each one of us.  Thank you for never giving up on us.  Thank you for never leaving us alone.  Thank you for making us more like Jesus day by day. So help us, to love each other deeply.  May we challenge and encourage, work and pray for each other to be more like Jesus. And may our love, been seen as you bind us together in perfect unity.

In our loving Saviours name we pray,

Amen