Day Seven: Wednesday, 27 May

RECONCILE! …as we forgive those who sin against us…

Father God, through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have reconciled us to You, so that we may have eternal life and unbroken fellowship with You.

Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, You have also given us the ministry of reconciliation, to bring the message of forgiveness and reconciliation to all peoples.

In the name of Jesus, we have the authority and the command to forgive sins.

We confess that we have allowed bitterness and resentment to fester in our hearts.

Please forgive us.

We now forgive those who have sinned against us.

Break the cycle of resentment, revenge and racism so that relationships can be restored.

Let the reconciling power of Christ be revealed in all areas of militarized conflict so that wars will end, and peace will prevail.

Restore relationships between men and women, and bring reconciliation in marriages.

Turn the hearts of fathers and mothers to their children and of hearts of children to their parents and bring healing and restoration in families. Strengthen those believers who suffer persecution at the hands of unbelievers and give them the grace to forgive their enemies.

Let the Church become known as peacemakers in the midst of a world of conflict and hatred.

Amen!

Reconcile us ...

• to break the cycles of resentment, revenge and racism so that relationships are restored.

• for signs of Christ's reconciling power in the midst of militarized conflict, revealing God's desire to end all wars.

• to restore relationships between women and men, to bring reconciliation in marriages and to renew relationships of children with their parents.

• for those who suffer for the Name of Christ to endure persecution in the Spirit and Grace of Christ.

"...then will I hear for heaven and will forgive their sin..." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Preparing to confess: Open your life to Christ. Admit your sin before an open heaven. Confess your wrongdoing to those you may have harmed. Ask God to free you and others from the burden of sin's guilt and the bondage of sin's power.