Almighty and merciful God,
To a world that is stumbling and searching in darkness, by the power of your Word, shine your light. To a world that is suffering, grant the hope of your Kingdom, for though there is trouble in this world, we can take heart, that by the cross and empty tomb you have overcome the world. To a world that is broken, grant healing and wholeness in the gift of forgiveness and restoration we receive only in Jesus Christ and his work. Grant us rest in your fulfilled promise that whatever our trials and struggles, we are saved, now and forever more.
Lord Jesus,
Comfort us when we are overcome by distress or sorrow. Remind us we can call on your name for you are gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. When we are brought low, He restores and saves us. When we wander or find ourselves lost to temptation and the world’s ways, be our Great Shepherd. Hunt us down with your grace and love, with the Good News that it was for sinners just like us that you entered into the world to save it.
Lord,
As we hear, and listen and meditate on your Word together, open our ears and hearts. For the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times, they are Spirit and they are life. Open our ears, turn our hearts to receive You and You alone, that we may be renewed, refreshed, and restored.
AMEN.