THE LORD SUPPER

The Lord's Supper is for us to remember His sacrifice and resurrection and rededicate us to His cause. But, we should also examine ourselves before we take Communion; because anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on themselves. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Therefore, a man should examine himself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on them. 

We should never forget the tremendous price our Savior paid for our salvation, and we should never allow the Lord's Supper to become a ritual or routine. Christ instructed us to observe this sacrament until he returns, so we can never forget what took place on the night He died for us to live. We must also pray for forgiveness of our sins and ask God to examine our hearts and remove all that is not of Him. Finally, Communion should bring us closer to Christ; and help open our hearts and minds to His wisdom and knowledge. 

Lord, help us become one body, as You designed the Church to function. Father, do not let us become too showy, pricey, or self-serving; but serve You and others in love. Father, help us mature into worthy servants while waiting for Your return. Father, thank You for sending Your only Son; to die a horrible death, so Your unworthy servants could be restored to You.  Lord, forgive us for falling short of Your grace; please fill us with the Holy Spirit to help us be obedient to Your Word. Father, do not let us lose the desire for Your Word; or grow weary of doing good. Father, let us be a part of the body; that brings strength to the Church, our families, and others. Father, let us not be hypocrites; are take for granted Your Communion, which represents who and what you are, in Jesus' name, Amen.

PRAISING TOGETHER

Good morning Father, we thank You for this blessed day; of health and peace, and forgive us for falling short in our prayer life.  Lord, thank You for provisions, protection, guidance, grace, and for forgiving our disobedience.  Thank You for Your hedge of protection You put around our families and friends; forgive us for our doubts and fears and our lack of study.  Father, we thank You for Your wisdom; please, give us the knowledge to implement it in our lives.  Father, keep us humble to You; and not use Your power against the weak.  Lord, give us discernment, so we can have the ability to see false prophets and the snares of the flesh.   Lord, give us the desires of the Spirit; that will help us get out the debt of the world.  Father, give us Your courage to speak against what is wrong and unjust; and the faith to stand on Your Word with patience and love.    Lord, order our steps; so we do not walk ahead of You and out of Your protection.  Now, Lord, we come to You with the faith of a mustard seed; give us Your strength, to give up any sins that separate us from You.  Father, let our light shine at all times; so those with eyes can see, and those with ears can hear.   Father, we thank You for the Spiritual soldiers You have surrounded us with, and we thank You for direction and purpose.  Lord, we thank You for the blessings; and for being able and willing to bless others.  Father, we put our children in Your hands; help us draw them near to You, so they will have hope.  Lord, bless those that carry the burdens of other people's sins; help us guide them to Your path, so they will be free from sin, in Jesus' name, Amen.

WE HAVE TO DO OUR PART

Hezekiah 6:1. God helps those who help themselves

When we ask God for something, we should already know what role we are going to play in these blessings we pray for. In other words, if you’re praying for God to help you lose weight, then you should be willing to exercise and eat right. God will provide the strength, and we have to provide the effort. I am a living witness; He will help us if we try.

"God Favored Me "HEZEKIAH WALKER LYRICS

BELIEF AND POLITICS

The Political process is one of the evilest events on earth; because, most politicians will sell their souls, to win an election. They will change man laws to honor society’s wishes, instead of God’s will, to gain Vote from a certain group of people.  But, "Matthew 16:26 says, what shall a man profit, if he gains the world, and forfeit his soul.   It takes big shoulders to function politically correct; and most times in an election that means, “By any means necessary.” This is why it’s so important for us to vote for our candidates, “by the content of their character”; not for what they say or what they look like.   A person’s character cannot stay masked forever; listen to the Presidential debate, so we can get a glimpse of who they are.  “Luke 12:2 the time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known.’

 Our responsibility as believers and leaders of our community; is to share the Word of God on all things, including social issues.  God is always in control, but we still have to do our part VOTE, for the lesser of the two evils.

Father, lead us in the way to go in this Presidential election; help us elect a candidate that fears You, and have a love for all people.  Lord, keep us dressed and ready for service; and keep our lamps burning, as we wait patiently for Your return.  Father, let Your Spirit and Words transform us; into the men and women, You designed us to be, not just religious fanatics.  Lord, thank You, for making us a new creation; please help us serve You with faith.  Father, help us become more Christ-like; and let us not worry about life: whether we will have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear; but, keep us focused on Your face.  Father, Your Word tell us, that we are of one blood; so we are brothers and sisters; and if we do not see this way, we, do not know You.  Lord, keep a hedge of protection around our children; and punish those who harm them, especially for profit, hate, or fleshy desire.  Lord, let us not tempt our weaker brothers and sisters; by our unrighteous action, and keep us persistent in Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.

DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE

So many people have given up hope, which makes them a danger to themselves and others. Our goal is not to lose hope; in this lost world because God is real. When we depend totally on ourselves, we carry a heavy cross; but when we rely on the Father, He will lighten our load. Psalm 62:5-6 Find rests, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He alone is my fortress; I will not be shaken. 8. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out Your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.   Our hope depends on God alone; our victory depends on our choices,” I chose God.”  God’s promise gives us hope, and I am a witness that God will keep His promise if we obey and believe His Word.   God is our safe place; against this evil and wicked world, He gives us strength, patience, tolerance, and freedom. When we trust God, against all hope, He will bless us.   He has been there for us so many times before, do not give up hope now.

Lord, we thank You for another day; we thank You for being in our right mind, and we thank You for forgiveness. We thank You, Lord, for the hedge of protection around our children; and thank You for being our safe place. Father, our hope does not arise from our desires; but from You, Lord, and let not our faith weaken. Father, we now understand that our bodies were dead; but we live through Your Word and our faith. Lord, we thank You for Your transforming powers; and Your grace. Father, thank You for saving us and giving us hope; now we are a new creation in You. Amen

PRAYER IS HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH GOD

We all need to pray; prayer is how we communicate with God, and prayer is part of developing a relationship with Him.  We should always go to God with a clean heart and mind; we should not have anger, envy, jealousy, or hate in our hearts, when we approach the altar.  We cannot ask for forgiveness, if we have unforgiveness in our hearts.  So, before we go to God in prayer; we have to search our souls, and ask Him to remove all that is not of Him.  Then God will “2 Chronicles 6:21 Hear the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place.  Hear from heaven, Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.” 

Our first humble request should be to cleanse our souls; and then for the forgiveness of our sins, after which; for those we love and those in need.  Telling God what we want and what we need; is really a waste of time, unless we have a special request; because He already knows what we need, and what we want.  When we look to God and plead to Him with a pure heart; He will rouse Himself, on our behalf. God tells us to pray without ceasing; meaning we should pray about everything, even our friends that have committed a sin. “1 John 5:16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life.  I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death.  There is a sin that leads to death.  I am not saying that you should pray about that.”  So, we always have something to pray about; so praying without ceasing, should be easy.  We also must understand; God will not answer a prayer,  that will take us out of His will.

Father, You said that if Your people, who are called by Your name, will humble themselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, and You will forgive our sins and heal our land.  So, Lord we are calling on You as humble as we know how; please remove our wicked ways and heal our land. Father, we thank You for life, health, and strength; as well as mercy, grace, and favor.  Lord, please forgive our sins; as we forgive those who wrong us, and help us grow in unity of one body.   Father, keep Your hedge of protection around us and our children; especially our young black males, do not allow them to be purged.  Father, continue to bless all the children of this lost world; and draw them near to You; through the light that shines in us.  Lord, touch the hearts of those in authority; with gentleness and kindness, so they will not harm us.  Father, give our Spiritual Leaders Your courage; wisdom and knowledge, so they can lead us down the right path.  Lord, give them Your love for the people; and let not religion separate us because we are of one blood. In Jesus name Amen

I'm Gonna Be Ready - Yolanda Adams, "Believe" released Dec 04, 2001

FOR THOSE THAT KNOW THE MASTER

There’s nothing like the feeling of belonging to God; a feeling of completeness, peace, and joy.  We forget about what is important to the world; and focus on things of the Spirit, our hearts, and mind. “Romans 8:5 For they are after the flesh do the thing of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”  We start this transformation of completeness: by accepting Christ as our Savior; then we study His instructions (The Bible), on how to walk with Him and not in the flesh.  But, sometimes we choose to walk in the flesh, instead of  walking in God’s will.  We walk out of protection, by straying away from His path. Then we begin to lose direction and our purpose; we begin to wonder because we are lost.  But, the great thing about His grace, Jesus will come looking for, one of His lost sheep and bring us back home to safety.  But, we must call on His name; so He will find us, and restore us to the Father; through forgiveness and repentance.

Whatever fleshly desire we have that dishonor the Father; is the sin God wants us to give up, so we can be restored to Him and feel His presence”  Luke 12:47- The servant who knows His master’s will and does not get ready or follow his instruction will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows.  For those who have been given much, much is required; and for the ones who have been entrusted with much, much more is required. Believers know what is required to walk with God, the question is are we willing to do it.  

Lord, we are Your servants and we walk in Your will because we belong to You.  Our lives are not our own; we are here to serve Your purpose, so prepare us for Your work.  Lord, we give You praise the first morning; to set our atmosphere, as we received another blessing to get it right.  Father, do not let us get weary of doing good; as we wait for Your return, give us Your strength to endure.  Father, we ask for Your courage as we; tell our testimonies to others, so they can see Your light.  Lord, give us guidance and protect in the flesh; as You order our step back into Your will, and remove all that separates us from You.  Lord, continue blessings our families and friends; and bless those who asked for prayer, Lord, You know them name by name, and need by need.  Bless them according to Your will, not our will.  Father, we thank You for another day of; being in our right mind, health and strength, as well as mercy and grace.  In Jesus name, we pray Amen.

Fred Hammond - No Weapon

ANGER

People nowadays are anger for millions of reasons; now it is ok to get upset with someone one, but do not get anger.  Because anger leads to more sin; some people have gotten angry enough, to kill.  God tell us that if we become angry enough to kill, call people names, or curse someone we will be judged (Matthew 5:21-26).  God understand we are in the flesh more than we are in the Spirit.  And there will be times anger will show it’s ugly face; but before we react, pray and quote scripture.  (What! you do not have a favorite scripture, LOL, another topic).  Then handle the situation with gentleness and kindness;” like Jesus would, anger is a sin.  Matthew 5:23 If we are presenting a sacrifice at the altar, and suddenly remember that someone has something against; us or we, have something against someone else.  Leave the altar, go and be reconciled to that person. 

Father, let us not be quick to anger; or too prideful to say, I am sorry.  Lord, give us Your Spirit of gentleness and kindness, so we can deal with others the same.  Father, bridle our tongue; so we do not misuse its power.  Lord, let our light shine to our family, friends and all those that need to see, so they may call on Your name.  Father, our eyes are the lamps that provide light to our bodies; do not let us see with bad eyes, so we will not be filled with darkness.  Lord, let our good deeds glorify You; and keep us humble, and in Your will.  Father, search our hearts; and remove all anger and hate, and replace it with Your love and understanding.  Lord, give us a strong desire for Your Word; and do not let us lose our salt, in Jesus name, Amen

FORGIVENESS IS FOR YOU

Forgiveness does not change the past it enhances our knowledge and wisdom of life and nourish our fruit. It also releases us from "the person that wronged us "power".  Any time we practice: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, and forgiveness; we nourish our fruit.

Daniel 9:9 the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving even though we have rebelled against Him.  "We wronged God and He forgave us."  Matthew 6:14-15 if we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us.  But if we refuse to forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us. "We cannot expect God to do for us what, we are not willing to do for someone else."

Father, please forgive us; and give us Your strength to be forgiving.  Lord, teach us mercy and how to, show mercy to others.  Lord, we help us develop the Fruit of love, kindness, and gentleness; so we can do to others, what You have done for us.  Lord, teach us how to pray and give us patience, so we can have an effective prayer life.  Father; give us a desire for Your teachings; so we can build our faith on solid rock, so we will not waver.  Lord, give us discernment, so we can be aware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really vicious.  Father, we know, not everyone who calls out to You Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom, because You do not know them.  So, Lord, we ask You to search our hearts; and remove all that is not of You, so we may set at Your feet.  In Jesus name Amen.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Daniel is the perfect example of faith, self-control, and spiritual morals.  Daniel and his friends remained faithful to God, even in the face of death.  We need to have the faith and self-control of Daniel, loving You, and walking in Your ways.  We want to have faith in You like Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego; that whatever we do, we have no fear, because we know You are there.  You have the power to make blind men see “John 9:-4 as He went along He saw a blind man from birth.  His disciples asked Him Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was blind?  Neither this man nor his parent sinned, this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. “Just as You have the power to transform us from darkness to light; so others might see You in our life.

Daniel is an example of how faith gives us self-control;and how our light draw others to the Father. We are to live in such a way others; will long to know the God we serve.  Our testimonies and actions are what draw people to God.  

Father, we are worldly believers; but we are maturing in faith. Lord, give us the  Faith and patient of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Father, teach us how to be steadfast; so will not waver under the pressures, of this lost world.  Lord, we want to live a life that exalts You; with discipline and love for others.   Father, we will make every effort to add to our lives: goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, kindness; and to kindness, love.  So,Lord, we come to You with open hearts and minds; fill us with Your Spirit, and give us guidance and protection.  In Jesus name, Amen

TITHING, GIVING, AND BLESSINGS

Tithing is a practice of giving a tenth of our earnings to help the Church, but what we give reflects the condition of our hearts.  “Matthew 6:21 for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.”  We can fake being a Christian; but we cannot fake tithing and giving, because how we tithe and give to others shows how we feel about God.  God ask us to give generously; that means there’s no limit, to what we give God.  Tithing, ten percent of our income is the bare minimum; and we should be willing to do a lot more, for someone who has done so much for us.  I am not telling you to go broke; I’m telling you to, give to God like He gives to us.  But, giving does not have to be only to the Church; there is so much we can give too.  Things like: organizations that help feed the homeless, transitioning homes for children aging out of foster care, the Red Cross, the list goes on; there are so many ways we can bless others. 

My group feeds the community every Tuesday; people that cannot make it to a food bank, for whatever reason.  We also go out once a month to the streets and feed the homeless; not only do we feed them; we provide toiletry, clothes, shoes, and blankets.  Our service does not just revolve around the Church; we need to take our service to the streets, to the people that do not know God.   Service and blessings are not always monetary; we can bless someone with our time or our belongings.  The Word clearly states that God bless us not for us to keep it all to ourselves, but so we can bless others.  2 Corinthians 9:7 as every man purpose in his heart so let him give, not grudgingly or out of compulsion; for God loves the cheerful giver.  When we give freely from our hearts, God blesses us with more.

Father, Your Word tells us; You will make every blessing overflow for those who give generously.  Lord, we give to You freely as You have given to us; and we will bless others, as You have blessed us.  Father, we know when we give to others; it cause others to give thanks to You, and we receive the blessing.   Lord, You, have blessed us with much; and we understand that much is required in return, and when we are trusted with much, even more, will be required.  Father, for even Your Son, came not to be served; but to serve others, by giving His life as a ransom for sinners.  Lord, the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; but You came that we may have life and have it abundantly. Thank You, Lord, for giving Your only Son to die; so we may live.   Lord, continue to let our light shine before people; in such a way that they will glorify You, because of our actions.  In Jesus name, Amen

THERE ARE GOOD AND EVIL SPIRITS

2 Peter 5:8 be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Revelation 16:14 for they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the almighty.

There are good and evil people; so we must be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.  To stand against the schemes of the devil; for we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic power over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Some people are just plain evil: anyone that can sell a child into sex slavery, on hanging a person by the neck from a tree to watch them die a slow and painful death is the devil.  Evil Spirits will kill or destroy a person because of the color of their skin; they rape women and children for their sick desires.  Then they portray the people that they harm as evil; but God will serve justice for their evil ways, if not to them to their children.  So beware of those that says they are of God; but bring hurt and pain to others, God is love and anyone of God is love.  Just remember even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Father, please remove all demonic Spirits; that surround us, and the demonic Spirits that have been spoken over our lives.  Lord, suit us in Your whole armor; so we will be able to resist and stand against all evil Spirits.  Lord, give us the wisdom of Your Word and the power it holds against evil.   Father, give us Your courage and strength, as we walk in Spirit and not in the flesh.  Thank You, Lord, for all the Spiritual soldiers You have surrounded us with.  Father, strengthen our faith; and forgive us for our doubt and sins, as we draw near to You.  Now, Lord let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts; be pleasing in Your sight, O’Lord, our rock, and our redeemer. Amen

DO NOT COMPROMISE OUR BELIEFS

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money.

Jesus died upon a hill for those who will receive Him as their Savior, and stand on His Word with obedience and faith.  On Calvary where the cross stands the ground is level; because there are no Jew, gentiles, and no slaves, we are all sinners. We are all sinners, who have seen our need for Christ, grace, and mercy in their lives. 

But, are our hearts and mind clean; have we taken a bribe that compromised our faith and beliefs.  God’s Word should never be compromised; because Jesus did not compromise at the cross, He died for all people.  We say we love God, but we hate our brothers and sisters; because they are different from us.  We make deals with the devil to gain profit; we have done things that are forbidden by the Word, but we claim to be saved.  Our politicians make a deal that put them in office but hurt the people.  Most of us have hidden motives and fleshly desires; that we refuse to ask for forgiveness, repent and turn away from.  We need to examine our hearts and minds and pray to God to remove, the material things that separate us from Him. 

Father, we lift up our souls and trust to You; so we will not put You to shame, by dishonoring Your WORD.  Show us Your ways, Lord, and teach us Your path; and guide us in Your truth.  Lord, do not let our enemy triumph over us; and remember not the sins of our youth, and our rebellious ways.  Father, we are sinners saved by Your grace; if we repent and turn away from our sins and worldly desires, for things of the Spirit.  Lord, we love You and fear Your wrath; so please confide in us, and make known Your covenant.  Father, we keep our eyes on You; for only You can release us from the snares of this life.  Lord, free us from the affliction and take away our sins.  Lord, guard our lives and rescue us; for we take refuge in You.  Vindicate us Lord, and help us led a blameless life; without wavering, as we walk in Your truth. Thank You for the grace that excludes the devil from ownership of our lives, In Jesus name Amen.

LET US PRAY

Lord, someone woke up with a heavy heart, we pray for happiness.  We pray for those who fell, a victim of this unjust system, we pray for justice.  Father, we pray for those that are weak in faith; we pray for Your strength and courage.   Lord, we pray for the homeless, may those that have been blessed, bless others.  Father, we pray for Your small angles that are sold into slavery because of our twisted desires; Lord, we pray for justice to be served on those, who are responsible; We pray for the sick; and a special prayer for our children that our sick, because of generational curses.  Father, we pray for our youth; give them guidance and protection, and let those that come in contact with them, have a kind and gentle heart.  We pray for the wisdom of Your word, and the knowledge to implement the Word in our daily lives.  Father, we pray for patience, understanding, and love for Your Word, so we can mature into the people You created us to be.  We pray for those who are barely making ends meet, we pray for financial guidance, comfort, and prosperity.  Lord, we pray for those who will not come home tonight; because of senseless violence, bless those that they leave behind.  Father, we ask You to strengthen our faith and help us with our unbelief’s, Lord pray for the faith of Daniel.  Father, we thank You for forgiveness; open our hearts and mind, so we will forgive those who wronged us.  Father, give us a strong desire and love; for Your Word, so we can exercise it’s power, in our lives and the lives of others. Father, take away our envy, jealousy, hate, and strife; so we can all live in harmony, with each other.  We prayer with clean hearts and minds, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

WILLIAM MCDOWELL LYRICS "I Won't Go Back"

THE TWO GREATEST COMMANDMENTS

Believers do not make moral efforts to do good; the love in their hearts for the Lord makes goodness and kindness a lifestyle.  The two greatest commands are: we should love the Lord our God with all our hearts, minds, and souls.  We should love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments all laws and commandments hang.  If we obeyed these two commandments: we would not kill, we would not commit adultery, and we would not steal. We would not backbite, we would not lie, and we would not commit any sexual sins.   We would be generous kind and true to His Word; we will be able to love our enemies, and forgive those who wronged us.  If we could obey two commandments; everything else would fall into place, that’s what it says in the Word.

Lord, help us not put any god before You; and help us treat our neighbors, as we treat ourselves so we would live in peace.  Father, teach us the meaning of Your Word so we can gain; the knowledge and power of the Word, as we  walk in Spirit with our Lord.  Lord, fill our hearts and minds with Your Word and Your love; so we will be forgiving, kind, good, and faithful.  Father, give us self-control, patience, and peace; the kind of peace You left with us. So we can be steadfast in Your Word, and wait for Your return with tolerance, patience, and endurance.  Lord, give us strength and courage to walk in Your will; so we can sit at Your feet, and hear well done good and faithful servants.  Lord, we thank You for saving us; and we thank You Father, for grace, in Jesus name we pray, Amen

DO NOT THINK TO HIGHLY OF OURSELVES

Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  10 Two men went to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a Tax collector.  11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about Himself “God I thank you that I am not like other men robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector.  12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”  13 But the tax collector stood at a distance.  He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God have mercy on me, a sinner.  14 I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 

God thinks highly of those who are humble, but those who think more highly of themselves than they ought to are prideful, and God despise pride.  We are all sinners and fall short of God’s glory; we sin in different ways, but we all sin.  So stop looking down on people; because our sin is not visible yet because everything done in the dark will be brought to light. Telling God, who we think we are; is a waste of our time, because He knows who we are.   God needs servants who believe in His Word; and “have faith that He will do, what He said He will do”   when we obey and walk in His will.

Father, teach us how to pray and never give up; Lord, let us not have confidence in our own righteousness.   Lord, be merciful to us because we are sinners; we thank You for grace, mercy, and favor.  Father, keep us humble and in Your will; as we exalt You, and Your amazing powers.  Lord, we thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son; so we may be restored to You, through repentance and obedience to the Word.  Lord, give us discernment so we may beware of false teachings; and give us a strong desire for Your Word.  Lord, there are some who has lost their salt; and we must have the quality of salt to live in peace with each other.  Lord, help us not get weary of doing good; for the rewards are great, if we are patient.  Father, open our hearts and minds to You; so we can be faithful servants, in Jesus name, Amen