Take a few quiet moments to be still. Focus on your breathing. Allow the quiet space within to fill with God's mercy and forgiveness.

Mark 11:25

When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.

We are all human. We are each guilty of careless words, angry outbursts, thoughtless actions, and moments of selfishness and sin. We inflict pain on others and they on us. When those things are not resolved they become grievances, grudges, and sores on our spirit. When we are unable to forgive others, our hearts become hardened and closed to the experience of love, be it God's or another's. To pray is to open ourselves more deeply to relationship with God. A healthy relationship with God helps us forgive and be forgiven.

Against whom am I harboring a grudge or resentment?

From whom do I need forgiveness? How will I seek it?

(Pray to God in these words or those of your own.)

In the words of the psalmist, I pray: Create in me a clean heart; renew in me a steadfast spirit.