I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20

Holy God:  We often forget that our new life in Christ means that we are no longer slaves to our old ways including hurts, habits and hangups.  We can choose to respond differently.  We can choose to go down new paths of freedom and healing.  Help each of us to have the strength we need to step away from things that no longer serve our lives well.  Healing and freedom are beautiful gifts for us to open each new day.  

And we pray for new paths and open doors for those who are struggling with the basics of life - food for the hungry; health for the sick; shelter for the homeless; work for the unemployed or underemployed; comfort for the lonely or grieving; hope for those who have lost their hope; and freedom for the addicts, prisoners and captives everywhere.  In a world where we all struggle, help those who are struggling the most today to find hope and relief, we pray.  In the name of Jesus our hope.  Amen.