Father God, could you write the story of your church I attend to be a welcome, safe place for all?
Could the vulnerable, the broken, the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind find you there?
Could it be a place that whispers to each person’s heart that comes in the door, “You belong here” and could this be their experience? “You belong here.” That is your heart, God. Bringing the lost, your children, close to you, under your wings, into your arms. “You belong here.”
I know this is not everyone’s experience of church. I remember the day when a woman told me that I needed to leave the practically empty church with my daughter, saying that we didn’t belong because she was too loud. I wept, and you saw me. You made sure another woman was there, who came and listened to my confusion and heartbreak. You made sure that my mom answered the phone, and told me that that woman was wrong, she must have a hurt heart, and we should pray for her. Thank you for this comfort, Father.
May your church reflect your heart, Father, and let it start with me. I’m in. Forgive me for when I made assumptions about others who are different from me, or not like-minded. We all belong to you, and I’m so sorry. May I be willing and courageous to listen to your nudges, and to welcome and love those who you bring into my path, especially in your church. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
My Heart, My Home 