Heavenly Father, forgive me please for being selfish with your love and grace. I confess that I often find it easy to stay near those who are like me - who look like me, think like me, dress like me. I know that there are so many in the world around me that do not have a friend, much less a defender. Open my eyes, dear LORD, to see those in my world that you would have me protect, encourage, and bless. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.