Heavenly Father, we confess that we are often paralyzed by fear. You call us to love, yet we lack the courage to love.

We are afraid of so many things— rejection, inconvenience, discomfort, pain. Forgive us. With Your perfect love, cast out fear. Work in us by the power of the Holy Spirit; melt away fear and despair and fill us with courage and hope. In Jesus’ name…

The words of the gospel for those who repent and believe:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)