July 25

Saying we are sorry can be a painful, even embarrassing, experience.  We have to admit that we were wrong.  Sometimes, we are admitting something about ourselves that we wish were not true.  Sometimes, we are admitting that we were deliberately hurtful.  It helps that we must all apologize at some time or other.  We are all human.  It helps us who are believers because we know that admitting we are wrong is the first step toward becoming better and making that wrong as right as we can.  As painful as it is, apologizing is a step toward becoming the person God created us to be.

Gracious and merciful God, we know that you are a loving and forgiving Lord.  Please forgive us when we are wrong, whether accidentally or on purpose.  Please help us to be better persons, to be who you want us to be.  In Jesus' name, Amen.