Father, once we were not a people, but now we are Your people; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received Your mercy. Because we are recipients of Your mercy we want to show mercy, kindness, and love to others who sojourn with us from day to day. The passions of the flesh wage war against our soul, but the passionate fire of the Spirit burns deep within our soul and ignites a desire within us to share Your Word that calls people out of darkness and transfers them into Your wonderful, everlasting kingdom of light. As people of God help us not to falter but to be faithful messengers of the gospel wherever we go. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.