Nehemiah 2:11–18

Psalm 101

1 Peter 2: 11–17

Matthew 5:13–16

Collect: Our Gracious and Faithful God, the foundation of our unity and the source of all truth, in this world of division and distraction make us instruments of your peace and purpose; help us to walk together in love and righteousness, upholding truth and integrity in all our actions, and strengthen our faith, unite our hearts, and bless us to carry out every good deed as one body for your glory; let no evil divide us, but grant that we may always strive for what is good, just, and pure, becoming a glorious congregation that reflects the beauty and harmony of the Triune God’s presence in our unity, and grant that, praying continually with steadfast hearts, we may live as one people, rooted in your will, bound by truth, guided by grace, and filled with the spirit of love, unity, and integrity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.