Desiderata

Romans 12:18,21

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

O my Father, although we try to do our very best to get along, we still come up short of what You want for us. We still find ourselves reacting negatively instead of taking the time to breathe in Your grace so we can breathe out Your mercy. Please help us to do what we are given to do, but not go too far. Help us to patiently wait on You to work in our own and others' hearts, to soften the hard places in them so we can respond to one another courteously and compassionately. Let us not be overcome by the evil in this world and in our own flesh, but to overcome the evil by doing the good of working out differences, working through difficulties, and relying on You to continue to work out Your will in us and in our relationships with one another. Keep us steadfast in persevering through the processes of reconciliation and healing, trusting that You want the very best for each of us, and Your desire is that we all come to repentance and righteousness.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!