Prayer for January 3, 2022

Help us, O God, to be free in asking for and receiving forgiveness. So often our fear and anxiety make small mistakes become bigger problems than they need to be because we hesitate to act. Let us be comfortable enough with those we love and ourselves to step up and be clear about times when we are hurt, anxious, not understanding something, and simply wrong to let them know. May we be prepared to listen fully in those times and defer judgment until both sides of a disagreement can be fully communicated. Allow us the strength of character to know when we are not listening to ask for and give a break to the times when emotion has overtaken and we are no longer communicating to steep back and address it when all are calm. Bless us this and every day. Amen.