Every day is a party with Jesus

Heavenly Father, we come to You together today to rejoice. You are near, and we will say it again: we rejoice in You! Thank You that Your wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing we desire compares with it. Forgive us for chasing treasures that fade and for trusting our own fortified cities instead of You. Teach us to fear You, to hate evil, and to seek You early, for You have promised that those who seek will find.

Lord, break up the unplowed ground of our hearts. Where we have grown hard or careless, wash us clean and turn us back to You. Where we have told ourselves that harm will not come and nothing needs to change, wake us up with Your truth.

We bring You our worries now. In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we present our requests to You. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Fill our thoughts with whatever is true, honorable, right, pure and lovely.

Help us learn to be content in plenty and in need, trusting that You will supply all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Give us strength to take up the cause of the fatherless and defend the rights of the needy. Make our families and our community gentle, united and generous, a fragrant offering that pleases You.

We pray all this in Jesus' name.

Amen.