(Prayer based on Colossians 3:12-17) 

As we gather this morning, we are again celebrating the resurrection of Christ, just as we did a week ago and Lord willing, as we will do next week and the week after.  Father, we see the words that Paul wrote to the church in Colossae and know You intended those same words as a charge to all believers to image Your character.  We are instructed to put on the virtues of Christ.  We are to live a holy lifestyle consistent with our new identity in the resurrected Christ.  We are chosen by God according to your sovereign grace.  We were each intently walking toward destruction and You plucked our souls from eternal ruin, You spared our souls, and You saved us.  It was Your act of sheer generosity and predetermined kindness.  We contributed nothing.  Your saving work was absolutely unearned and unwarranted.  We are objects of your incomprehensible and unremitting love.  You have set us apart for Your glory and purposes.  In light of this truth and reality, we should live accordingly.  Not in a pursuit to earn redemption, but instead to reflect the effects of your saving and transforming grace in our lives.   

Father, You give us clothing to cover us and identify us as Your children.  We are called to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  This should mark us as we seek to bear the image of Christ demonstrating His character to others.  You treat us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  We should therefore model your consideration to others who are also made in Your image.  Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, just as You the Lord forgave us, so also we should forgive others.  Make us a compassionate, kind, patient, and forgiving people.  Convict our hearts when we are slow to forgive or if we seek to withhold forgiveness as a weapon of our independence.  Help us see our sin clearly.  Remind us of the magnitude our sin that You kindly forgave through the blood of Your Son on the cross.  We know Christ is the model of forgiveness.  Cause our eyes to be fixed on the cross and repent of our stubborn sinfulness.   

Father help us also to put on love. This is not natural for us – it must be put on.  It must be pursued and intentionally practiced.  We need Your help God to speak truth in love to others.  We need the Word of Christ dwelling in our hearts to love each other well and faithfully.  We need Your wisdom.  Culture and worldly instruction fails.  We need Your truth to teach and admonish each other.  We need the words of Christ and the instruction of all of scripture.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, as we seek to put on the character of Christ, I pray our hearts will indeed respond with gratefulness, joyous singing, and thankfulness to you God and celebrate the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts.  It’s in the name of Christ that I pray, amen.