January 6, 2023 - Proverbs 6:16-19

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT

Lord, you are an amazing Father that loves us unconditionally. We want to do things that bless you and show you love, not things that you hate or cause you pain. It is easy to read over this list of things you hate and dismiss it as things that we don’t do but open our eyes to anywhere that they have a place in our life.

Lord, do we have haughty eyes? Are there any specific people or types of people that we look down on? Make this clear to us. If so, forgive us and show us what actions to take to make it right and change our thinking. Help us walk humbly and choose to lift people up instead of tearing them down. Help us be honest people of integrity. We don’t want to allow any lie out of our mouth, even small “innocent” lies. Lord, show us if we are harboring thoughts of wishing evil upon someone. Forgive us and help us learn to love those who hurt us and forgive them like you do.

Lord, help us learn to run towards righteousness and away from sin and temptations. Increase our hatred for doing wrong. Lord, we never want to be a false witness that leads others away from the truth. Open our eyes to any areas where our beliefs do not line up to the reality of what your truth is. We want to be willing to get out of our “comfort zone” and change our thinking when needed. Lastly, we ask that you help us to never allow our thoughts or actions to cause discord or tear apart the community you want us to build. Teach us how to love and build unity.

Lord, purify us and help us learn to live a lifestyle that loves you in all we do.

In Jesus name, amen.