Pastoral Prayer for August 21, 2022

Please allow the words of this prayer to become your own.

Compassionate Father,

Forgiveness is the white robe you wrap me in.

Grace is your first order of business.

When, like the prodigal son, I turn from my rebellion and head for home,

you accept me as I am.

You want me to live a free and full life, a life whose source is your Spirit.

The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead raises me to new life every day.

You help me put an end to the things that drag me down.

In you, I am being made new.

You have adopted me as your own child.

You are working everything out for me.

Just like a good father, taking care of your children,

you are setting me up, leading me on, showing me the way.

If you are for me, who can be against me?

Who can condemn me, when you are bringing me to life?

Even when I fall, you declare that, in the end, I’ll be victorious.

Nothing can keep you from me, and nothing can keep me from you.

When you say forgiveness, this is what you mean.

I thank you and praise you – my Father, Grace-Giver, and Friend!     Amen.