There Your Heart Will Be

Holy God of compassion and mercy; help us enter this holy season with the hearts you desire and with the sacrifices that please you – more than our letting go of bad habits. As we bring our tithes and offerings, may they be given not for the praise of others, but from our hearts to yours. In this season of denial and repentance, help us take on what brings you joy: sharing with the hungry, offering shelter and clothing to the homeless and poor, and showing compassion to all we meet for carrying life’s unshared burdens. In doing so, may light arise in the darkness. In Christ, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)