Abba, the quiet morning darkness is the prelude to a day that will be filled with conversation, people, and opportunities. Thank you for the promise of the Spirit living in me Who will give me wisdom and strength to choose to love, encourage, and love as Christ Jesus loves me.

Jesus, we are remembering that You came and lived with us – humbling Yourself; the Mighty God, to become our brother to lift us from death to life.  Let this joyful realization shape me today – “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. … For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2)

Lord, give me insight to see others as You see them.
Teach me to speak the words that heal hurt.
Give me joy that infects those who are in despair.
Place Your light in me so that I help others to see the Way.

In the words of Paul, I pray that “Christ (will) dwell in your hearts through faith. (Keep me) rooted and established in love, (so that I will have the) power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep (Your love is)  and knowing this love that surpasses knowledge— (I will be) filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  (Ephesians 3) 

In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray.  Amen