Prayer

Merciful God, forgive me for the times today that I will be tempted…tempted to take the shortcut, tempted to be selfish, tempted to ignore the needs of others, tempted to rationalize my behavior or words, or tempted to not follow Your call to love all. Strengthen me to make choices that are pleasing to You. While trouble can often be distracting or even harmful, I also thank You for the good kind of trouble we see in Your prophets; where You call Your people back into right relationship. Help me to be open to hearing that call and even serving as Your prophet to stir up trouble where You might direct me. Grant me discernment and courage today. Amen.