The Morning Prayer for Sunday, October 15, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, October 15, 2023

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:12–13 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with humble hearts, acknowledging that we are all sinners in need of Your grace. Lord, as Jesus taught us, it's not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. We are the sick, Lord; heal us with Your mercy and love.

God, let us go and learn what it means to desire mercy, not sacrifice. Help us to understand that our actions and rituals are empty without a heart full of compassion. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may extend the same mercy to others that You have so generously given to us.

Teach us, Lord, not to judge but to heal, not to condemn but to restore. Help us walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who came not to call the righteous, but sinners like us. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us, especially those whom society has marginalized. Let our lives be a reflection of Your unending mercy.

Lord, as we go about our day, let our actions be pleasing to You, driven not by a sense of religious duty, but by a sincere desire to serve You and Your people. May Your wisdom guide us, Your grace sustain us, and Your love inspire us.

In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.

Feel free to adapt this prayer to better fit your own personal beliefs and understanding of these verses.