Benediction: Let's Stay On Track With God's Kingdom Work (based on Matthew 6:10)

God created the universe in goodness. Jesus taught us to work for the restoration of that original goodness; to strive to help God's kingdom to come here and now as it is in heaven.

May we be strong in faith and hope when other narratives attempt to derail us; ones that tell us to win at all costs, to value others solely based on what benefit we can extract from them, or to fear others and treat them as less than fully and coequally human.

May God keep us on track and dedicated to helping to bring out the best in everyone and everything.

Reflection and Renewal: When We Get Off Track From "Your Kingdom Come" (based on Matthew 6:10)

God, you created the universe in goodness. Jesus taught us to pray and work for the restoration of that original goodness; to strive to help your kingdom come here and now - as it is in heaven - by seeking peace, justice, and mercy.

We have to admit that we often do a less-than-perfect job of that work. Sometimes without even meaning to, we allow ourselves to be guided by a different narrative; one that tells us to win at all costs, to see our fellow beings as competitors to be stepped on or over so that we come out ahead, and to fear anything that is unfamiliar or different.

So God, when we get off track, help us to realign our lives with your mission. Help us to be about the work that we're designed to be doing - helping to bring out the best in everyone and everything.

Amen.

Benediction: A New Way Of Life In Our Everyday Lives (based on Matthew 6:10)

In our everyday lives, may God's spirit within us and all around us help us to be hopeful in seeking, thankful in receiving, and joyful in finding.

May we embrace the way of life which Jesus both taught about and modeled for us, which can help to align us with our calling to work towards bringing out the best in everyone and everything.