Prayer to Accompany Sermon June 7th "Sweeter Seventeen"

Wondrous God, Author of Life, the testament of your love is written upon our hearts; your ever presence is imprinted on our souls. There is no place to hide from your presence. You see us at the core of our being. You know what we think in secret; you know what we fear and who we are when our last nerve is shredded, our patience tapped out. Yet you are always ready and willing to see us through the eyes of love. You recognize us as your children even when we aren’t sure we recognize ourselves. We ask your forgiveness for those moments when we miss the opportunity to let your light shine through us. Be merciful to us and forgive us we pray when we fall short of your commandments. On our worst day we beg your pardon. On our best day we offer you thanks and praise. When we behave as if we are marooned or foundering like a boat capsized on a storm tossed sea, right us again; put us on the better heading and fill our sails to get us back on course. May your grace and mercy balance us as daily we walk arm in arm with your Holy Spirit. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.