And finally, and importantly, I invite you to pray, if you aren’t already, for this increasing violence in our own country. It became very local last night with the shooting at Ross Park Mall, in a parking lot I had been in with my daughter literally just the day before. The rhetoric continues to dial up as well, it would seem. We pray for peace, and we also pray for changed hearts.

Grace and peace,

Becky

Prayer

God of mercy and love, we thank you for the gifts you have already given us: from sunlight and rain to friends and loved ones. We ask for your grace, so badly needed in the world and in ourselves. Change our hearts in the ways that are needed, that we might be more like Jesus. Be with our broken world, and help us to find ways to offer it your peace. Still our reactivity and open our ears and our hearts, that we might hear your voice and embody love in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.