Friday: Like a Mustard Seed

Let us pray.
Father God, Jesus told us that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. The smallest of seeds is transformed into a great tree. What a glorious message of hope! When our faith is small and fragile, you surround us with your love and grace. When the Church is threatened, you remind us to be rooted in Christ. You use us – as individuals and as a community of faith – to build a great tree that gives shade and protection; that helps other things grow. In that great tree called the Church, there are branches that are weak. If it is your will, Father, strengthen those branches. Craft them closer to the roots of that great tree. Give the leaves the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. Use the other branches to provide support. Unify the whole tree so that all of its parts might flourish. Use us, O God, to care for that great tree – not because we have to, but because we seek to glorify you as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ perfect name we pray. Amen.