Almighty and gracious God,
 
You have placed a call upon each of our lives.
 
As we seek to answer your call,

We pray that we would not blindly conform to the lifeless patterns of the past
but that you would transform us by your grace, renewing our minds and spirits.
 
We pray that we may be agents of renewal and transformation, not only within the United Methodist Church but also throughout this world that needs to hear anew news of your great love;
 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, 
who lives and reigns with you, 
in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, 
one God, forever and ever. 
 
Amen. 
 
 
Joshua Gooding serves as the pastor of Tecumseh United Methodist Church, located just east of Topeka, Kansas. He lives in Tecumseh with his wife, Sarah, and his two children, Timothy and Miriam. Check out his newly relaunched blog at http://cinemasandsanctuaries.wordpress.com.