Loving God,

We praise you for we know your grace is abundant and your love is never failing. We acknowledge we are sinful and fall short of your glory all too often. Forgive us, O God. Free us for joyful obedience as we seek to do no harm, to do good, and to love you faithfully.

Help us this day as we read these words from one of our familiar hymns find courage and strength to live as forgiving and loving people.

Amen.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!*

*Grace Greater Than Our Sin, Julia H. Johnston (1910)

Rev. Elizabeth Byrd