Follow and Serve

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. John 12:24-26

Holy and everlasting God, purify my mind, body, and spirit. The world presses in with its desires for fear and division. But you Lord overcome all that is in opposition as your perfect love drives out all fear. Strengthen the bands of love that bind us together, hold us firmly in your grip of grace that we might walk this day in the confidence and righteousness of Christ.

O God let your mercy and healing fall afresh on all whose souls hunger and thirst. May their eyes be opened to the new beginning and new creation they are to become as they surrender their right to themselves. And surely as the single seed of wheat produces many, you, God, will use us to make and grow disciples of Jesus, in whose name and power we offer this prayer and the silent prayers of our hearts. Amen.