Lord, first we thank you for the blessings you have showered upon your bride, the church and we ask that you continue to bless, guide, and govern her with love, in love, and through love now and forever. The church is not a building, but a people gathered together as one in your name. We are human, and in our humanity, we have sinned and caused great pain and suffering. We are wounded and scarred and some leave because of the pain it leaves behind. I pray that in the midst of these trials and sufferings that you would give us clean hearts and repentant spirits to do what is right and be honest. Lord it is often difficult to forgive, at least forgive truly. When we find it hard to forgive others, remind us gently that you first forgave us and you did not condemn, but loved. We don’t have to trust them, but we ought to forgive them. I ask for you wisdom and courage for those in authority, our priests and shepherds to be able to speak and act in an open and honest manner as they continue to minister to your church. Help us to love one another and you in a way that more closely resembles love as it was made to be. May we, together as one body begin to move forward and take the first step on Life’s Healing Journey. Amen