Good morning (or good afternoon/evening — depending on when you are reading this) — before we pray together allow me to give you a short explanation.  In my sermon this morning I am using a story I found about St. Francis of Assisi (before he was a saint).  You can read the full story on my sermons blog when I post the sermon on Monday or Tuesday. 

Basically, Francis was traveling down a road, during a time he was struggling with a call from God, when he came a across a leper (someone deemed unlovable).  In a tremendous show of compassion (and love) he gets off his horse and gives this person some "charity" and kisses him.  The "unlovable" are also children of God.  Let us pray…

Lord of heaven and earth, you lead us down a road that is winding and difficult.  It’s a path where we encounter people that scare us; for they exist outside our comfort zones.  But then we see you stop.  You love them and tell us its O.K….these are also children of God.  Grant us courage and strength, O God, to continue on this path; loving those who have been called unlovable.  Give us understanding to see that there is more to this life than earthly pursuits of wealth and pleasure; and gently nudge us in the right direction when we stray.  O God, Lord of heaven and earth, we give you thanks for saving us through the cross.  Strengthen us in that love so we can live for others…through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

God bless your day in hope and love.  Take care.

-edh-