I Samuel 18:3-4, 19:1-5, 20:41-42, John 13:1-15, Luke 15:11-32, I Corinthians 13
O God, who has set love at the center of your universe, we pray today for those who are dear to us. We ask that you would keep all families, whatever form they may take, in the hollow of your hand. Take from us any bitterness, vanity, or pride that curdles and corrodes our unity. Fill us with faith in you and one another so that we might live in a trusting relationship. Grant us your love so that we may treat one another with patience and kindness. Knit us together so that we might understand the power for good that can encompass our life together. Encourage us in time of struggle. Give us the joy in the company of each other that we might live in loving unity. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.