“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Lord God, I was once on the outside looking in. I was once not your people. I was once not loved. I was once not yours. But in your love for me, you chose me to be yours. In mercy, you made me to be a royal priest in your house. In care and concern, you made me your own and called me, along with all who believe in you, “the people of God.” Lord God, you treasure me and hold me dear. Help me to treasure this identity and stay close to you in it. You are telling me, through Peter, who I am to you. Help me to live out this identity in my life today. I am yours. Lord, let your name be made holy by my words, actions. yes, let your name be hallowed through my whole life today. Amen.