Sanctuary

(The United Methodist Hymnal – The Faith We Sing – #2164)

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

sanctuary for you.

Lord, prepare our minds to be a sanctuary.  Jesus, you are the cornerstone of our faith; without you we are empty shells.  Ignite us from within to seek you, to know you, and to love you.  Give us the discipline and desire to read your Word, by ourselves and together, so we can learn your ways.  Let this knowledge translate into holy action.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

sanctuary for you.

Lord, prepare our hearts to be a sanctuary.  Deepen our commitment to you; tether us to you with a bond so strong it cannot be broken.  Help us develop and nurture the Christ in us and in each other.  Shape us into your image so your grace flows through us to the people you place in our path.  Create in us a heart for loving kindness.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

sanctuary for you.

Lord, prepare this church to be a sanctuary.  Let all who enter find a safe place in which they can explore their faith, ask questions, speak their fears, and imagine your face.  May we, as the Body of Christ, offer to the world a peaceful harbor, a place to rest and find you amid the distractions of life.  Continue to build us up into a living, vibrant community of Christ’s disciples, ready, eager, and willing to do your work.

Lord, prepare us to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, we’ll be a living

sanctuary for you.