Give Up Pettiness for #Lent

This season of Lent, my congregation is taking on the study Give Up Something Bad for Lent by James W. Moore.  The focus of this Lenten study is very practical.  Rather than giving up stuff that you like (chocolate, cokes and the like), why not give up something that's actually causing a problem for you?  Why not give up something that's actually coming between you and the relationship God really wants to have with you?

This week we're praying that God can heal us of our pettiness, that God can move us from hurt feelings and ill will towards better relationships with one another and the God on high.  Let us pray these words from Rev. Moore:

Dear God, thank you for showing us that pettiness is not an answer for a healthy and wholesome life.  Thank you for showing us a better way to live.  Help us to be big rather than small, generous rather than stingy.  May we strive to prevent hurt feelings in others and learn to share your love with all who are in our lives.  Amen.