Follow a Leader of Sincere Faith - 2 Timothy 1:1-7

Father,

You have promised and provided life in Christ Jesus.

You give to us undeserved grace, free mercy and sustaining peace.

Give us men of sincere faith to lead us.

Men who fan into flames the gift of God;

Who confront their fears;

And who are full of the spirit of power, love and self-control.

Remove leaders that are proud and self-sufficient; who sow hatred, licentiousness and lawlessness.

Save your people I pray.

Loving: the Successful Life - 1 Cor 13

Father,

We desire public esteem

We desire to be praised for our wisdom

We even desire radical generosity

But they are nothing without love.

We do not desire patience and kindness.

Keep us from envy, boasting, pride, rudeness, self-seeking, anger and hatred.

Make our hearts to delight in truth,

To always protect,

To be full of trust, hope and perseverance.

May we look not at what is temporary but at what is eternal.

May we contemplate the cross and your love that is the source and foundation of all love

For your glory alone 

Amen

Father my heart does not want to love,

  O change my heart!

People are often so unlovely, haters, hurters, enemies

  O change my heart!

And yet love must be possible.

You have done it.

You have commanded it.

You are love.

Soak me in your love.

Soak my emotions so that I feel your love.

And may love flow from me whenever I speak.

May I initiate love,

Be energised to love,

Act for love,

React in love,

And desire love just as you have loved me,

  O change my heart!