07/28/2026
Standing Between the Stones
During the Sunday Service on July 19, we reflected on the beautiful picture of Jesus standing between us and the stones of judgment and condemnation. In his grace-filled, protective posture, we see the very heart of God toward us. Let us bring our own needs and the needs of others before the One who stands with us, protects us, and calls us into new life. Here is our closing prayer to guide us:
Loving God,
Thank you for revealing your heart to us in Jesus.
Thank you that, in him, we see not a God eager to condemn,
but a God full of mercy, truth, and grace.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you that you stand between us and the stones—
between us and our guilt, our shame,
and the voices that tell us we are beyond hope.
Forgive us
for the times we have been quick to judge others,
and slow to examine our own hearts.
Forgive us
when we have valued rules more than people,
and chosen condemnation over compassion.
Lord Jesus,
help us to reflect your posture of compassion
and your loving face to the world
Help us to stand with the vulnerable,
restore the broken and treat every person
as someone deeply loved by you.
Loving God,
For those carrying heavy burdens of shame today,
replace condemnation with your grace.
For those weighed down by regret,
bring your forgiveness.
For those who feel defined by their past,
remind them that, in Christ,
they are your beloved sons and daughters,
called into a new way of life.
And by the power of your Holy Spirit,
make us a church that stands between people and the stones—
bearing witness to your mercy, compassion and
transforming love.
Loving God,
May we see your posture
in the posture of Jesus,
and your heart in his.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
who came that we might have life,
and have it to the full.
Amen.
