Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.

Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived and born in the worst imaginable settings. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. May our welcoming voices and warm touch make an eternal difference to the children born in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. We want to follow the example of our Lord Jesus who lovingly embraced and tenderly welcomed the children to spend time with Him. Amen.