Father, we so easily consume our mind and energies with offenses we suffer at the hands of cruel and hurtful people. But then we see how Joseph matured in the midst of his cruel treatment, rose above vengeful plotting and a tit for tat attitude, to focus on the bigger picture which was Your plan to save lives. May we rise beyond the foolishness and cruelty of others to see the bigger picture of Your overall plan for our lives. Whatever slight or evil intended by another cannot thwart Your good plan for our life if we are driven by Your Holy Spirit and not the offense. And at times it is in the offense that You conform us to be more like Jesus. You want us to forgive our offender so that we have deep abiding peace in our hearts and unobstructed focus for Your divine guidance in our lives. It is only through You that we can forgive and mature in our Christian walk. Amen.

Father, You who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until You call me heavenward or until the day of Christ’s return. May I willingly submit and quickly obey Your voice so that I will bear much spiritual fruit. I pray that the Fruit of the Spirit will characterize my life as I faithfully yield to the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father, we want to be set apart as a people who care about others, regularly expressing care to them as we follow the Biblical mandate that each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Paul charged his readers to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus who is the supreme example of putting other’s needs before His own. May we be more interested in giving energy to others than taking it for ourselves, for when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. We are replenished as we give to others, for Your reservoir never runs dry and we thank You for it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father, we know the oft repeated expression that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me” is a mistaken message certainly not derived from Scripture. Harmful words or actions do irrevocable damage that will not disappear through first aid or antiseptic. Hurtful words have a way of playing over and over in our head and enter into the deep recesses of our hearts. The more we cling to them the greater we risk exaggerating their original message. We build walls, become defensive and do little to resolve the problem. Help us to weigh our words carefully, put ourselves to the test of asking, “Are the words coming from my mouth pleasing in Your sight”. When we habitually put our words to this test we will not use foul language, engage in crude joking, gossip or slander another but we will instead choose to build one another up in love. Keep us faithful in doing so we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Father, we pray that we will not be fearful or ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that Christ will be exalted through us, whether by life or by death. Whatever happens, help us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that we honor Your name and bring strength to the Christian body. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.