July 10 Prayer

Hosea 14:1-10
Return to The Lord, your God
Bring your confessions
Say to him
“Forgive us Lord of all our wrongs
Graciously receive us”
“The Lord replies ,I will love them freely
I will be like dew to them
They will blossom like the lily
Become strong and grounded like a cedar forest
Like an olive tree full of fruit and beauty
A fruitful vine,
fragrant as wine “

These are a few images that God speaks over his children . His people who defected and chose to put their trust in their own works , in their own ideas, looking to the world’s systems to save them.

He replies with his original vision for them from the beginning.
His love knows no bounds when we run astray and things run a muck . He waits for us to return, to turn in and turn back to what is true, real and best leaving the world’s answers behind.
….And the things on earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace .

Pause now to confess where you have defected from God and his ways .
Freely receive his love and grace as we pray ,

“ Jesus we turn our eyes upon you
Upon your ways we trust in and turn from our own ways of figuring things out .
We turn from anxiety and fear that the world breeds in us.
We turn toward your face , the one that has the answers to what we are facing today .
We lay down our own agendas and pick up a better one.
To heal and repair what is broken is your job and we trust in your healing hands and rest in your grace.
We are tired of struggling to make things happen and rely upon your Holy spirit to bring the morning dew to refresh us .
We become grounded when our roots grow deeper in your love .
May we spread our branches wide and become your splendor here on earth.
May our fragrance be one that attracts others to you and brings you glory.
May we all blossom into who you intend us to be.
Thank you for your love freely given to us.
We return our love back to you.”

Amen