Prayer (Matthew 10:24-39)
Jesus -
Your word divides as it uncovers our world’s brokenness and makes known God’s will.
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
You whisper to us in the dark. Empower us to tell in the light and to proclaim from the housetops Your divisive word.
Remove our fear of those who disagree with our proclamations of justice and mercy and remind us that they cannot destroy our souls.
Give us the strength to take up the cross and follow You.
Give us the strength to lose our selves and our egos for Your sake, Your word, Your truth, so we may find our abundant lives.
In the name of the One who counts the hairs of our heads and who makes our lives worthy, we pray.
Amen.