Good morning, Jesus.
We pray that our hearts desire is to please you, Lord God, and to submit to Your will in our lives. Your Word gives us road signs that point to what Your will is. But the wisdom from about is first and foremost pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy . . . (James 3:17).
As Your followers, we cannot implement this facet of Your will without the Holy Spirit’s help. Only by Your Spirit’s power can we be gracious to those who offend us. Help us show mercy to others as You have shown mercy to us. In this fallen world full of flawed people, we all have been there. Some betrayed our confidence, hoping to make others think they have the inside scoop. Other, living in their insecurities, spread lies about us. Or told half-truths in gossip sessions around the water cooler, dragging our reputations through the mud. Only Your Spirit enables us to show grace when the very fabric of our souls is being ripped apart.
What we are on the inside is revealed by such events. Our carnal nature demands we retaliate in equally hurtful measures, but Your will is to be gracious and let You take care of those offenders. I certainly do not want to be on the receiving end of Your vengeance. But You don’t expect us to be doormats either. Oh, no! We stand firm on our godly convictions. The truth will come out for all to see and the Lord will vindicate His own (Romans 12:19). Lord God, You will honor our faith as we wait on Your timing to make all things right.
Our hearts break watching the videos of the Cathedral of Notre Dame consumed in flames. Such a magnificent structure that took nearly two hundred years to construct, suddenly destroyed. But we’re reminded this majestic temple dedicated to You is not where You live. You live within each of Your followers, those who have placed their trust in Jesus for their salvation from their sin nature. This temple, where You live, can never be destroyed. Our bodies will decline and finally be laid in the grave, but our hearts will be with You forever.
Forgive our sins. Heal our nation. Begin a spiritual renewal in each of us.
You are a merciful Savior, Jesus. Amen.
THANKFUL 
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