GOSPEL READING AND PRAYER

FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

READING

Matthew 5:43–48 (NIV)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor  and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

PRAYER

Let us pray:

O God, you are the strength of all who put their trust in you: thank you for hearing our prayers. We seek your help to live as agents of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.